Syracuse victory is biggest upset loss for Clemson in 40 years
You know the law. Two teams enter, one team leaves. And the team feeling the sting of defeat as it departs the Carrier Dome is the defending national champions.
Friday the 13th was not kind to Clemson, as a brutal defeat at the hands of Syracuse has tightened the slack ever so slightly on the Tigers' chances of returning to the College Football Playoff. The loss was remarkable in more ways than one, as the upset was the largest for Clemson in, well, a long time.
Clemson closed as a 23.5-point favorite against Syracuse.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 14, 2017
This is their biggest upset loss in the last 40 seasons.
The loss also brings an end to Clemson's 11-game winning streak, which had been the longest active stretch in the FBS. The defeat also marks a season-worst for Clemson in points allowed, yards allowed, total penalties, third-down conversion percentage and time of possession.
Prior to Friday's game, Syracuse had only earned one previous win against Clemson, dating all the way back to the 1996 Gator Bowl with some quaterback named Donovan McNabb at the helm, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Clemson will undoubtedly be seeking answers in hopes of righting the ship as it enters its bye week. The Tigers' next scheduled contest is Oct. 28 against Georgia Tech.